Jamaican-born Monty Alexander and his fellow musicians are set to thrill local jazz lovers with two Bermuda Festival performances beginning tomorrow evening.

The first, entitled 'Monty Alexander Trio, America,' will feature the music of classic jazz masters, including Duke Ellington, while the second on Saturday (February 2), entitled 'Monty Alexander Goin' Yard,' will focus on Jamaican-flavoured compositions. Both performances will take place at the Ruth Seaton James Centre for the Performing Arts, beginning at 8 p.m.

Mr. Alexander's trio consists of Hassan Shakur on contrabass and Mark Taylor on drums. They will be joined in 'Goin' Yard' by Derek DiCenzo on guitar and steel drums.

Born in Kingston, the jazz musician began piano lessons at age six but never learned to read music. Instead, his artistry was learned through a combination of natural talent and assimilation by listening to such jazz greats as Louis Armstrong and Nat 'King' Cole when they performed in Jamaica.

The lad's style of playing was a reflection of blues, calypso, and jazz. By age 14 Mr. Alexander had formed his first band, 'Monty and the Cyclones,' which rose to instant success on Jamaican charts. At age 17 he moved to the US, and was swiftly involved in the jazz scene.

He sat in on the sets of such greats as Sonny Rollins and Dizzy Gillespie, and played at Jilly Rizzo's club in New York City. This opened up more opportunities, as a result of which he performed with other jazz greats including Milt Jackson, Frank Sinatra, and bassist Ray Brown, with whom he formed a long association.

In 2000 Mr. Alexander was awarded the Jamaican Certificate of Distinction in recognition of his services to music.

For tickets/further information contact the Bermuda Festival box office in the ferry terminal building on Front Street or call 296-5774.